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nicoise salad recipe

Authentic French Niçoise Salad with Tuna

This classic French Niçoise salad features crisp vegetables, tender tuna, and a tangy herb dressing for a vibrant, protein-packed meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: French, Mediterranean
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 head lettuce leaves of your choice
  • 8 ounces green beans cooked but still crunchy
  • 2-3 hard-boiled eggs quartered
  • 1 small red onion cut into rings
  • 2-3 tomatoes skinned and cut into chunks
  • 8 ounces canned tuna drained and flaked
  • 1 clove garlic crushed
  • 1/3 cup olives halved or whole
  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon white wine or sherry vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon mixed herbs finely chopped (parsley, chives, tarragon)
  • to taste salt and pepper freshly ground
  • anchovy fillets optional
  • capers optional
  • cucumber sliced or in chunks, optional

Equipment

  • Small bowl
  • Large bowl
  • Whisk
  • serving dish

Method
 

  1. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and chopped herbs until well combined.
  2. In a large bowl, gently combine green beans, quartered hard-boiled eggs (reserve one for garnish), red onion rings, tomato chunks, flaked tuna, crushed garlic, and half of the olives. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat.
  3. Line a serving dish with lettuce leaves. Pile the dressed salad mixture in the center and garnish with reserved egg quarters, remaining olives, and any optional ingredients like anchovies or capers. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use the freshest vegetables and oil-packed tuna for the best flavor.